Free

Chapter Five

I woke once again to Mayna's call.

It was Monday, the second week of school.

Once I was dressed and ready, I hopped into my car and headed to pick Leah up for school.

Me and Leah barely spoke the whole ride. While driving, I couldn't help but let my mind drift to a certain Bradley Hemings.

After I had gotten home that night from driving the Hemings family to the airport, I had my parents sign those stupid school contracts, changed into my pajamas, and went straight to sleep. The next day, while getting ready for school, I braced myself for the torment that was sure to come from my Sexy Six enemies. Though when I arrived at first period and was only joined by Ami and Clara, a mix of emotions waved over me.

Of course I was happy that I would be able to enjoy school without Bradley there, but I couldn't help the slight worry that accompanied it.

Yes. I, Saylor Seaver, was worried for Bradley Hemings.

Of course Ami and Clara threw their fair share of insults my way, but it was nothing compared to when Bradley was among them.

And by the time second period rolled by peacefully, the worry that I had once felt was diminished.

The rest of the week was the same, Brad was a complete no-show.

Despite the near-peaceful days I had been experiencing, I couldn't help but wonder if what I witnessed of the Hemings family that night was more serious than I had originally thought.

I was pulled from my thoughts and flashbacks of Brad when I nearly ran a red light.

I refocused on the road with only one final thought: When would Bradley Hemings be returning to school?

My question was soon answered when I said my goodbyes to Leah at our lockers and waltzed into first period.

There, sitting in his seat right next to Ami Boster was none other than Bradley Hemings.

But this was no ordinary Bradley Hemings. His elbows were on his desk and upon his hands rested his heavy head. His lips, instead of being interlocked with Ami's, were drawn closed into a tight frown. He looked so...dejected.

"Hey look, it's the nerd-mobile. What did you do this weekend, Saylor? Oh wait-sorry, I forgot that you don't have any friends." The typical morning greeting from Clara Reymonds.

I made my way to my desk like I did every day in silence.

Let me just fill you in on one little thing; no one defended me, ever.

This really didn't bother me considering it was easier for me to just let the comments roll right off of me, but this was why it was so shocking that after all this time, someone stepped in and said something.

The biggest curve ball of all was who.

To my surprise and great confusion, Bradley Hemings turned to Clara Reymonds and said: "Knock it off, Clara. Leave her alone."

My jaw dropped. I was about to open my mouth and say something, but nothing valuable came to mind, so I just sat and minded my own business while the repercussions of Brad's statement were drawn out.

"Bradley, what has come over you? You go to California for a week and come back all sad and confusing." Clara said to him.

"Yeah, really. If my parents allowed me to skip almost the entire week of school to go on vacation I would be overjoyed. I thought after being gone you'd be bursting at the seams to pester that freak." That was Ami talking, and the freak was me.

"I said leave her alone. I mean it." That last sentence was said lowly, deeply through tightly clenched teeth.

The two girls exchanged strange looks but did as he said. I would've too, he could be scary.

Thankfully our teacher started right away, "Okay, class take out your homework from the weekend..."

***

In second period, Brad didn't say a word to me, and thankfully unlike the first day of school, once the bell rang signaling the end of second period, no big prank was played on me.

It became quite obvious to me that what happened that night at my house really was serious and it was affecting Bradley's outlook on things, especially me.

***

At lunch, I was trying to figure out how I felt about Bradley-should I be happy about the lack of abuse, should I be worried that this is the calm before the storm? I had just decided that I felt the latter when my mother texted me.

"Just got off the phone with Mrs. Hemings. They're coming to Vermont with us!"

Oh God.

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If anyone is still reading:

I'm so sorry for the wait and sucky chapter! I was at camp and then I was on vacation!

I know this chapter is bad, but the story will be picking up soon! Please stick with me!

Comment your feedback please! And vote if you enjoyed!